Melica altissima alba, commonly known as white meadow grass, is a perennial grass species native to Europe and Asia. It is a popular ornamental grass, prized for its elegant, feathery plumes and attractive white foliage.
White meadow grass is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of settings, from formal gardens to naturalized landscapes. Its hardy nature and drought tolerance make it a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance grass. Its fragrant flowers attract a variety of pollinators and its foliage provides food and shelter for wildlife.
Its long-lasting clumps of foliage provide year-round interest in any garden. With its graceful, feathery plumes and attractive white foliage, Melica altissima alba is an excellent choice for any garden.
Characteristics of melica altissima alba
Melica altissima alba is a species of flowering grass that is native to the UK. This species is also known as Great White Melic or White Wood-Grass and is part of the Meliceae family of grasses. It’s a particularly striking grass and can be found as a dominant feature of many gardens and parks.
Melica altissima alba is a perennial grass species and is solely grown from seed. It slowly forms a thick tuft of leafy shoots.
The stems of this species are round and relatively short, reaching heights of up to 20-30 cm tall. Additionally, the stems and leaves of the grass are covered in fine hairs called cilia. The leaves appear green in colour and grow to around 8-15 cm in length, giving the grass its unmistakable characteristic.
The flowering spikes of Melica altissima alba are bright white, creating a great contrast against the foliage in the garden or park. From June to August, they produce small 6 petalled flowers called spikelets.
As the plant matures, these spikelets slowly turn from green to white, standing out even more against its foliage. Overall, Melica altissima alba is an incredible grass species to have in any outdoor space as its bright white flowering spikes create a great contrast against the light green foliage.
Robust and low maintenance, this species is a great choice for those seeking a striking focal point for their garden or park design.
Benefits of growing melica altissima alba
. Gardening is a great pastime and hobby, and the more knowledge one has, the more enjoyable it can be. One of the best plants to consider planting in UK gardens is the Melica altissima alba.
This attractive and low-maintenance grass has many benefits that make it a great addition to any garden. First, Melica altissima alba has a fantastic visual impact that can give a unique look and feel to any outside space.
It is a clumping grass with short, upright blades that look their best in autumn and winter. This adds a splash of colour and interest to any garden and is perfect for providing year-round interest. In addition to its attractive visual qualities, the plant is low maintenance, requiring very little water or fertiliser to thrive.
It is also extremely hardy, making it an excellent choice for UK gardens, where extremes of temperature and weather can be expected. Not only is it extremely durable, but it also requires very little mowing, as it self-seeds, restoring its beauty in spring and summer.
In addition to its excellent visual qualities and low maintenance requirements, Melica altissima alba is excellent at suppressing weeds. Due to its strong, upright blades, weeds are unable to compete and so will not survive without industrial-strength chemicals.
This property makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a durable, weed-resistant grass for their gardens. Overall, Melica altissima alba is a fantastic choice for those looking for an attractive and low-maintenance addition to their garden. The attractive short blades and attractive colour of this grass add a unique look to any Outdoor Space, while also providing excellent weed suppression abilities.
With low maintenance requirements and excellent hardiness, it is the perfect choice for the UK climate.
How to grow melica altissima alba
The majestic Melica altissima alba is a unique grass that is sure to add some beautiful visual interest to any garden. It is also comparatively easy to grow for such a statement plant, meaning that all levels of gardeners can have a shot at making this beauty thrive in their own patch. Melica altissima alba is a cool-season grass, native to the colder coastal regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
It is medium-sized, reaching 80 to 160cm in height, and together with its fanning stems and arching foliage will create quite a presence in your garden. It has a pleasant, subtle aroma, which may be more noticeable in the evening.
It has small but striking light-brown flower plumes in early summer and in winter the foliage dries and silvers to a stunning silver-green—so you’ll enjoy it year-round. Like most cool-season grasses, Melica altissima alba prefers cooler and wetter climates, but it will also do well in drier climates, as long as the soil is well-drained and the roots are shaded from the sun.
Plant it, preferably in the fall or early spring, in compost-rich, well-drained soil and make sure the crown is covered with soil. If your soil is especially wet, add some coarse sand to the transplant. Water Melica altissima alba during dry periods, but don’t overdo it, as it is reasonably drought-tolerant.
As it’s not a particularly heavy feeder, only fertilise it occasionally with a very mild feed, but as a cool-season grass, you may want to give it an extra boost around the beginning of spring. Melica altissima alba is a graceful grass that can help create a stunning and unique look in your garden.
With its silvery-green foliage and creamy white flowers, it makes for a low-maintenance but eye-catching piece of the landscape. What’s more, it’s fairly easy to look after, so anyone from the novice to the experienced green thumb can give it a go and make the most of this beautiful grass.
Common problems with growing melica altissima alba
When it comes to gardening, melica altissima alba, commonly known as white fescue, is an attractive perennial grass with grassy leaves that can add a touch of elegance to any flower bed or yard. Known as an excellent choice for growing in difficult soils, this grass can be a great asset to any garden. Despite its beauty and hardiness, there are still common problems associated with growing melica altissima alba, which can easily be avoided with a few tips and tricks.
One of the most common issues when it comes to melica altissima alba is that it does not tolerate moisture well. This means that watering or watering too frequently or for too long can easily cause the plant to become waterlogged and die.
To ensure that this does not happen, water the plants deeply but infrequently and be sure that the soil is able to drain properly. Another problem associated with this variety of fescue is the fact that it does not respond well to most fertilizers or manures. This means it can be hard to give the plants a boost in certain seasons.
To get around this issue, use specially-prepared grass fertilizer formulas. These are designed to deliver the nutrients needed without risking any sort of overfeeding.
Another common problem with white fescue is that it can become prone to disease and insect infestations when not properly maintained. To prevent this, be sure to check the foliage of the plants regularly and trim them back if they are becoming overgrown.
Additionally, actively look for signs of disease or pests and take measures to address the problem immediately if spotted. By following these few tips, it is easy to ensure that melica altissima alba can flourish and offer a wonderful addition to any garden. By providing the right conditions and paying attention to potential issues, it’s easy to enjoy this beautiful grassy feature for many years to come.
Bottom Line
Melica altissima alba is a species of grass native to the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial grass with white flowers and grows to a height of
5 meters. It is a popular ornamental grass and is used in gardens, parks, and meadows. It prefers well drained soils and full sun.
It is drought tolerant and can tolerate poor soils. It is a great choice for erosion control as it has a deep root system.
It is also a beneficial food source for wildlife.
FAQ
What is the scientific name of Melica altissima alba?
The scientific name of Melica altissima alba is Melica altissima subsp. alba.
Where is Melica altissima alba found?
Melica altissima alba is found in the Mediterranean region, including parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and North Africa.
What are the characteristics of Melica altissima alba?
Melica altissima alba is a perennial grass with long, narrow leaves and a white inflorescence. It is a fast-growing grass that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters. It is drought tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soils and can tolerate some flooding.
What are the uses of Melica altissima alba?
Melica altissima alba is a species of grass that is used for a variety of purposes. It is commonly used for forage, erosion control, and as a soil stabilizer. It is also used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscaping.
How does Melica altissima alba reproduce?
Melica altissima alba reproduces by producing seeds that are spread by wind and animals.
What is the conservation status of Melica altissima alba?
The conservation status of Melica altissima alba is Least Concern, according to the IUCN Red List.
